SAOTA Architects designed this beautiful family summer retreat with a fabulous indoor-outdoor connection, located in Saint Tropez, France. The overall design represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Mediterranean Riviera architecture. A departure from the historical vernacular, this project gave the architects an opportunity for personal expression — including form, space, and lifestyle associated with the location.
Set on a long, narrow property, the rear of this 5,393 square foot dwelling is nestled into a glade of pine trees. The architects worked to maximize the perception of space. This was achieved by creating expansive outdoor covered spaces, while interior spaces seem to spill outwards, extending to the front of the property.
Project Team: Lead Designers: SAOTA | SAOTA Project Team: Phillippe Fouché, Stefan Antoni & Amé Venter | Architect of Record: Libre Architecture Concept | Local Architect: Thomas Paturle | Structural Engineer: IBS | Contractor (only concrete): GUILLEC | Landscaping: Saint-Tropez Parcs et Jardins
The dwelling is arranged between two rectilinear side wings, encircling a central courtyard. One wing encompasses the private bedrooms spaces, along with the entire upper level. Kitchen and dining areas are located on the main level. The master bedroom suite features it’s own staircase, accessed from a double volume private lounge. The main living and entertainment spaces encompass the central space between the two wings.
Siting the dwelling towards the back of the property provided allowed for the living spaces to step down with the terraced landscape, seamlessly extending the useable space. The architects maximized the perception of space by using cavity doors to blur the interior/outdoor boundaries, while allowing fresh summer breezes to flow through the interiors.
What We Love: The design of this summer retreat explores the potential for a new expression of the spirit of Saint Tropez, liberating its interior spaces and allowing for an invigorating indoor‐outdoor lifestyle. Luxurious, open and airy living spaces creates the ultimate dream home for living and entertaining in style.
Tell Us: What do you think of the design of this summer retreat in Saint Tropez? Would this be your idea of the perfect getaway? Let us know in the Comments!
Note: Have a look at a couple of our most popular home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of SAOTA Architects: Spectacular modern dream home on the island of Ibiza and Sumptuous concrete dwelling in Cape Town offering sea views.
Above: The central pool cascades down an incline, connecting a martini seating area with the main swimming pool. “Together with the clean lines of the side wings, accentuates the lines of perspective, exaggerating the length of the property, leading the eye to the horizon and further contributing to the illusion of space,” states the architects.
Adding a sense of grandeur to main living/entertaining space is a dramatically folded floating roof. “The folded shape of the roof is formed using raw wooded planks in a subtle reference to the pines,” states the architects. “Not only does it echo the cascading terraces of the landscape, but contrasts with the straight‐lined geometry of the wings on either side.” The fold in the roof is also used as a structural element, allowing for a 12‐meter span without any columns.
Above: “The interior finishes contrast raw, expressive concrete on the soffit, for example, with dark marble cladding on the rear walls, lighter stone towards the front of the house and vein‐cut travertine floors, states the architects. “The natural materiality emphasizes the architecture as an extension of the landscape, while the dark stone towards the back of the living area accentuates the illusion of depth, further enhancing the sense of space.”
The interior was imagined as a gallery‐like space, which not only entailed open living areas but also inviting the light in, especially from above. Meticulously placed clerestory windows floods the interior with natural light, while providing framed glimpses of the canopy of pines on the slopes above the property, which also helped determine the section of the undulating ceiling. Other frameless windows and apertures capture views of surrounding courtyards, further integrating interior and exterior and melding the dwelling into its setting.
Above: A pivoting front door draws one into the light-filled living and entertainment space at the heart of this home.
Photos: Adam Letch
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